Thiago Alcantara and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been left out of Jurgen Klopp’s 23-man squad for the trip to Austria, as predicted.
The pair, whom the German once described as ‘outstanding’ (Daily Mail & Sky Sports), are yet to return to full health, with the former working on rehabilitation while the latter is recovering from a hamstring injury, according to liverpoolfc.com.
Both will undoubtedly be major losses for Liverpool, however it may not be the worst moment to be without such talent in the squad.
Which Liverpool teenagers will capture Klopp’s attention?
It goes without saying that our forthcoming Europa League group stage campaign will give more playing time for our younger, less experienced players.
Ben Doak, recruited from Celtic, is expected to start against LASK, and it would not be shocking to see the highly outstanding Jarell Quansah also feature in Klopp’s starting lineup in Austria.
That is not to say it will be a team made up solely of teenagers, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and possibly even Mo Salah expected to play a role.
There should also be a first proper look at our most recent summer addition, Ryan Gravenberch, who has a lot to prove after a disappointing year in Munich.